On behalf of Governor O’ Malley,  Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin responded in a letter to Jay Newcomb, the Council’s President to concerns raised on various issues regarding oyster harvesting in the county.  The County Council President expressed concerns over the establishment of new sanctuary acreage in the county and its impact on oyster harvesting.   He also expressed concerns for commercial watermen over the impact of legislation passed this session modifying the definition for natural oyster bar and legislation from the 2009 session that changed the leasing requirements for public fishing in areas in the Chesapeake Bay.  To learn more about the concerns as well as the detailed response from the Governor and DNR, see below.

Letter from DNR to Dorchester County on oyster harvesting issues.